variants or less commonly cancelation
Synonyms of cancellation
1
: the act or an instance of canceling
The cancellation of the game was due to bad weather.
2
: something (such as a hotel room or a ticket) made available by the canceling of an arrangement
was lucky to get a cancellation for the trip to Chicago
often used before another noun
got a cancellation ticket/slot
3
: a mark made to cancel something (such as a postage stamp)

Examples of cancellation in a Sentence

The storm caused delays and flight cancellations. Notice of cancellation should be given 30 days in advance. There is a fee for cancellation. Cancellations increased when rates doubled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The late cancellation left many artists and vendors on the hook for front-end expenses. David K. Li, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 At O'Hare International Airport, 62 flight cancellations and counting had been reported. Darius Johnson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Apple AirPods Pro includes active noise cancellation for immersive sound and transparency mode so users can connect with the world around them. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cancellation

Word History

Etymology

see cancel entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cancellation was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cancellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancellation. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

cancellation

noun
1
: an act of canceling
2
: a mark made to cancel something

Legal Definition

cancellation

noun
can·​cel·​la·​tion
variants also cancelation
1
: the act or an instance of cancelling
2
: a mark made to cancel something (as a check)

More from Merriam-Webster on cancellation

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